You are invited to a "not what you do" party

Dear Friends,

I hope you can join us for a Spring dinner party on April 18th, 6-9pm. The only rule is that you cannot talk about what you do for the first 90 minutes.

Some of us grasp onto our titles like a life raft, convinced they’re the thing that makes us worth talking to. Others blurt out the query because it’s easy, acceptable?small talk—or because we have let our jobs eat up so?much of our time?we have no room for?anything else.

What would happen if we didn’t lead with our professional selves?

My wife and I realized that might be tough, particularly for me, so she thought we would give you some ideas to get ready. Sorry but this is not a nude dinner party so it's casual dress.

First. remember that what you do is not who you are.

So what can you talk about?

1. Learn how to have small talk
2. How did you wind up in __fill in the city or town___? Have you always lived in _____
3. How did you meet your spouse/partner?
4. What do you like to do when you are not working?
5. How to start a conversation
6. How do you know the hosts that invited us?
7. Topics to avoid
8. Have you ever been to _____? We were there before COVID and it was one of our favorite trips
9. Here is a list of non-work questions
10. When was the last time you felt ______?
11. So, what's your story? | LinkedIn?
12. Read anything interesting lately? (avoid money, religion, politics and sex) Real estate, artificial intelligence or sports are always good.
13. Talk about the food or drinks without sounding like a jerk
14. What's your story?
15. What is your summer looking like?

If you are struggling and have set your watch to remind you when the 90 minutes is up, then hang out at the shrimp and caviar table and then seize the middle ground:

1. Tell people about your journey and how you transitioned from a job you hated to one you now love
2. Talk about how much fun it is to do what you do now and where you do it
3. Tell stories about the people you help or beneficiaries of your work
4. When someone asks for your advice, say, "Don't take my advice"
5. Beware of the dangers of authenticity
6. Don't be an asshole
7. Just because you did, avoid criticizing people who continue to work after age 65 when they could "just retire"
8. Here's how to talk to a narcissistic entrepreneur
9. Here's how to talk to a hypomanic entrepreneur
10. Talk about fly-fishing or show pictures on your iPhone of your pets

We are looking forward to seeing you. If you plan to attend, please RSVP and really attend. Have you seen the price of food lately? How about that Masters Tournament?

Arlen Meyers, MD. MBA is the President and CEO of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs.

Hand made in Denver